How to Select the Best Reading Program for Your Child

According to the National Education Association, 38 percent of fourth grader readers score below average. Reading and writing are vital communication skills for all adults. Yet, so many are falling below basic standards.

That’s where reading programs come into play. They lower this statistic and guide children as they gain better literacy skills. But the real question here is: what’s the best program?

Do different programs focus on different areas, styles, or learning abilities? We know you’ve got many questions. Don’t fret!

We’re here to answer them all. Here’s everything you’ll need to select the best reading program for your child!

The Importance of Reading for Children

Every child deserves the chance to soar alongside Harry Potter. And tag along Clifford’s [the big red dog] adventures. It’s not only what the stories have to offer, but books also teach us lessons.

Many adults have richer lives from the fantasy stories they’ve read as kids. Give your child the priceless gift of reading. After all, it’s an important skill for their future.

Studies show that children who read more often for fun do better in other areas. They are able to spell their name right at a younger age, and score higher on reading and writing tests. The biggest shocker is they’re more able to learn other languages, faster.

Pretty powerful stuff if you ask us!

What Is a Reading Program?

Reading programs are literacy programs built to teach your child how to read. They’ll also learn them to associate words with appropriate imagery. For example, saying the word “baseball” and then showing a picture of an actual baseball.

This helps a child pick up the context behind each word. When they see that word again, they’ll connect it with the image of the baseball. They’re then better able to understand what they are reading.

While different programs range in technique, they all have the same end goal. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right program by seeing your child’s higher test scores.

Types of Reading Programs

Now that we know what reading programs are, we can delve into the different types. There are in-person sessions at school. This would be like tutoring or one-on-one teaching.

Other programs are online. These are great for those who prefer homeschooling. If your child learns better through systematic approaches, look no further.

Systematic approaches would include the whole language approach, for example. The whole language approach is the first type of program we’ll discuss. The second type is the phonics-based.

Both of these approaches teach children to read and associate context. But they differ in their teaching style, which is important because it impacts your child’s results.

It will also impact how much stress a child feels while learning. Let’s take one step deeper, and look at each of these approaches.

Phonics-Based

The phonics-based approach breaks down words into smaller chunks, making it easier to sound out each letter. Children learn to associate a sound with a letter.

For example, “c” makes a “cah” sound, or “b” makes a “buh” sound.

When a child doesn’t know a word, they apply their “sounding out” skill to each letter. By knowing letter sounds, your child will then be able to sound out the letters to unfamiliar words.

By plugging in pronunciation, they’ll associate words with context. This frees up their mental space so they can remember more detail in the story. They’ll have a better grasp on what they’re reading.

Whole Language Approach

The whole language approach is a technique that teaches a child how to associate a word with a whole image. Instead of breaking down each syllable, it shows a child the whole word at once. There’s little to no sounding out of the word.

You can think of the whole language approach as the “bigger picture” approach. It challenges children to look for clues about what the word could be. They’ll look for surrounding images or familiar words to decipher unknown words.

Decide on Which Approach to Choose

Choosing the right method for your child isn’t easy. That’s why it’s important to do background digging. Have some understanding of your child’s learning style before selecting a program.

Talking to current teachers or tutors will uncover your child’s learning style. You could also try reading a bedtime book to see their natural way of reading. Do they look at the pictures first, or the words?

If they notice the pictures first, you may start with the whole language approach. If they see the words first, you may consider trying phonics-based.

Online vs. In-Person

Now that we’ve named a few approaches, let’s move on to learning the material. Sessions can occur in-person, in classrooms, or online. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

In-person sessions are perfect for youngsters who love that classroom, face-to-face interaction. Also, there will be a tutor available to walk them through their obstacles during a session.

Online sessions differ. While a child still has an automated tutor, it could be difficult for them to ask questions. They also won’t have the human connection of a tutor.

Still, these programs are successful. Online modules are available at any time of the day. You can access the program on all your devices, and they’re affordable.

Also, online literacy games are like video games. Your child won’t even know they’re learning, it’ll be so much fun! Check out Reading Eggs Reviews for an in-depth review of their app.

Here’s a summary of the major benefits of online programs:

Accessibility [iPhone, iPad, Android]

Fun, interactive games

Flexibility

Research-proven

We’ve mentioned the importance of choosing a research-proven program, but what does that mean?

Gauging Proven Effectiveness

There are a variety of methods that claim to work. Yet, not all are research-based or proven. Don’t fall victim to marketing tactics and aggressive sales approaches.

All of these programs are credible. Choose one that is legitimate and has the research and statistics to back it up. If others have learned from these techniques, then your child could learn as well.

Stay away from programs that make unrealistic promises. If they say they can have your child reading and writing in 10 days, they’re most likely not authentic. Diversity in teaching methods is a comfort for parents.

If one method doesn’t seem to work, you can try another. You may not get the right method that works for your child right away, but don’t lose hope. There are plenty of resources to help change those results.

Is It Fun?

Look for a reading program that’s fun.

That’s right! Having fun should be a part of the program.

The best programs will include literacy games. These could be interactive online games, board games, or worksheets like scavenger hunts. These games engage your child and get them excited about the learning material.

They’ll want to learn! We don’t want them to dread their tutoring sessions or reading. After all, reading is so much fun!

We should focus on encouraging the enjoyment of fun, learning activities.

Which Is Best?

Here’s the real question we’ve been waiting for. If you still weren’t able to decide on an approach, try asking yourself a few simple questions.

These questions will serve to gauge which choice to make. Your child will thank you later.

Reading and Writing Go Hand-In-Hand: How about Both!

We’ve checked off techniques and formats. But how about a reading program that considers both reading and writing? You may consider choosing one that includes learning both skills as it will help your child become well-rounded in literacy.

Whatever you choose, make sure you see the learning rubric upfront. That means your tutor or online program should have a list of learning material.

You’ll be able to see all the learning material from the simple first step to the very complex last. Trustworthy companies will be transparent. That means no hidden fees, tests, or lessons.

Need More Info?

Choosing the best reading program can be tricky and daunting. While making the right decision may be overwhelming, we’re here to tell you not to worry.

We’ll guide you through any of your educational choices. If you need more on learning and education, check out our lessons and classes list. We work to bring you credible and efficient services.

We want you to find the best services for all your needs. Our services list can also point you in the right direction so you can finally get a taste of your dreams.